What Is Administration?
Administration is the court process used when someone dies without a will (intestate). The court appoints an administrator — usually the closest living relative — and issues Letters of Administration, which authorize the administrator to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate under New York law.
Who has priority to be appointed and who inherits are statewide rules — the same in every county. See our statewide probate vs. administration guide for the priority order and intestacy rules. This page covers what's specific to Staten Island.
Where to File on Staten Island
If the person who died was domiciled on Staten Island, the petition is filed with Richmond County Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301— Richmond County is Staten Island's legal county name, and this is the Surrogate's Court serving the whole borough. The clerks' offices are on the 2nd Floor, Room 201.
Not sure Staten Island is the right county? See our statewide venue guide.
Filing by Mail or NYSCEF
The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — addressed to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. For new proceedings commenced on or after July 10, 2026, the court requires e-filing through NYSCEF in administration cases and related proceedings — self-represented (pro se) filers are excepted and may still file on paper.
If you are e-filing, NYSCEF support is reachable at 646-386-3033 or nyscef@nycourts.gov, and the court points filers to free NYSCEF training sessions with online registration.
What You'll Need
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Administration petition and supporting documents — statewide forms
- List of estate assets with approximate values
- Details for all legal heirs (distributees)
Court Appearances
The court splits its calendars between virtual and in-person appearances. The Monday citation return calendar is held virtually every Monday at 10 a.m. through a recurring Microsoft Teams link the court publishes; you can also join by phone at +1 347-378-4143 or toll-free (833) 262-7886, conference ID 868 464 127#.
The Wednesday calendar— motions, conferences, and other proceedings — has been in person since September 28, 2022, and the court's rule is that all other appearances are in person (as of November 1, 2022) unless the court contacts you. Counsel may request a virtual conference on consent of all sides.
Filing Fees
Fees follow the same statewide estate-value schedule (SCPA 2402) in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide.
Free Help at the Court
The court has a Help Center reachable at 718-675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. The New York State Bar Association also runs a pro bono program for certain Surrogate's Court matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt).
If the Police Department sealed your family member's Richmond County residence, the court's Help Center publishes information on retrieving the decedent's property from the sealed residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles administration cases for Staten Island?
Richmond County Surrogate's Court — Richmond County is Staten Island's legal county name. The court is at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, with the clerks' offices on the 2nd Floor, Room 201. The General Clerk's Office number is 718-675-8500.
Can I file an administration case by mail?
Yes. The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — sent to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. For new proceedings commenced on or after July 10, 2026, e-filing through NYSCEF is mandatory for represented filers — self-represented (pro se) filers remain exempt and may still file by mail.
Who has the right to be appointed administrator?
New York law sets a statewide priority order for who may receive Letters of Administration — generally the surviving spouse first, then children, and so on. This is the same in every county. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide explains the priority order and who inherits when there is no will.
What happens if no family member can serve as administrator?
Richmond County has a Public Administrator, who administers estates when there are no qualified or willing heirs to serve, or when no named executor or beneficiary is able to act. The office is reachable at 718-876-7228 or info@richmondpa.nyc.gov.
Are administration court appearances virtual or in person?
The court's Monday citation return calendar is held virtually every Monday at 10 a.m. through a recurring Microsoft Teams link the court publishes, with a call-in option at +1 347-378-4143 or toll-free (833) 262-7886, conference ID 868 464 127#. The Wednesday calendar for motions, conferences, and other proceedings is in person, and all other appearances are in person unless the court contacts you otherwise. Counsel may request a virtual conference on consent of all sides.
What if the estate is small?
New York offers a simplified process (voluntary administration under SCPA Article 13) for qualifying small estates, filed in the same court. See our Staten Island small estates guide for details.
How much does administration cost on Staten Island?
Filing fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and follow the same estate-value schedule in all 62 New York counties. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full schedule.